Some people may fail to realize that being unemployed, regardless of what you have accomplished in your current company, can be viewed as a negative to a hiring manager. If they have never been through a layoff then they may not realize that good accomplished people get cut. If they have been through a layoff and only the less productive reps got cut than their perception of being severed is jaded.
If one wants to break into another industry, even with transferable skills, it is going to be challenging to find a position with our current level of income. If you are employed than you only have one obstacle to overcome, not having that particular experience in that new industry. If unemployed, now you have to address that as well.
Staying in this position may suck if you are already mentally checked out. Find a way to refocus yourself and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Know, that this is just a means to an end, until you find your next position that you want. Enjoy what you have, a job, and leave on your terms, with a new position that you are excited about.
Realize that everyone that was let go will tell you how great their new job is even if it is a "stop gap". There are many great people who have regretted wanting to and getting cut only to find out that this is the most difficult job market that we may see in our lifetime. Not to say it is loom and doom, but there are great people with the same accomplishments as you vying for the same job. Be smart and start looking now.
Best of luck to all.
